My Final Update to You Until Later this Fall

A legislative message from Representative Brian Burnett

information released

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Due to election-year restrictions, this will be my last email update until later this fall. That said, my work as your state representative continues. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas about how we can improve state government, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. We are here to serve you.

My seatmates and I also recently sent out a 2026 session review mailer. If you did not receive a copy, or would like to view it online, it is available on my website. It covers key issues from the session, including the state budget, taxes, public safety, and investments in our local communities.

There has also been an important development regarding the new sheriff law passed this session. A Thurston County judge has blocked key portions of the law from taking effect, finding that parts of it are likely unconstitutional, as many of us in the Legislature argued from the beginning. My concerns from the start were clear: this policy gives an unelected board the power to sideline an elected sheriff, weakening the direct accountability between voters and the people they choose to represent them.

As someone who served more than 25 years in law enforcement, including as sheriff, I believe strongly that accountability should remain with the voters, not be shifted to bureaucrats in Olympia. This case is not over, but this ruling is an important step in protecting the integrity of our local elections.

You can read more about this court ruling in these news articles here or here.

In addition, if you would like a speaker for a civic group, community organization, or church, I would be glad to join you. These conversations are important, and I welcome the opportunity to provide an update and hear directly from you.

Thank you for the opportunity and privilege of serving you in the Washington State House of Representatives.

Sincerely,

Brian Burnett